Best Things To Do In Belfast Ireland

Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is an incredibly diverse and historic city. Located on the River Lagan, the city has been a major port since the 19th century and has played an important role in Irish history. Belfast is known for its vibrant culture and colorful murals, as well as its strong maritime tradition. It is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in Ireland and is a popular destination for tourists. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a local, there are plenty of activities to do in Belfast.

A Brief History of Belfast

Belfast has a long and rich history that dates back to the 6th century. The city has been a major port since the Industrial Revolution and was one of the major industrial hubs of the British Empire. It was during this period that Belfast saw a surge in population and wealth. The city was heavily damaged during World War II, with more than 30,000 people displaced and more than 10,000 buildings destroyed. After the war, Belfast underwent a period of redevelopment and rejuvenation that saw it become a vibrant city once more.

Today, Belfast is a bustling capital offering visitors a wide range of activities and attractions. It is home to around 300,000 people, making it the second-largest city in Ireland after Dublin. The city is known for its vibrant culture and friendly people, as well as its many pubs and restaurants. From the iconic Titanic Belfast to the unique Giant’s Causeway, there is no shortage of things to do in Belfast.

Explore Belfast’s Iconic Sights

Belfast is home to some iconic sights that are must-sees for any visitor. The most famous of these is Titanic Belfast, a museum dedicated to the history of the ill-fated ship. The museum offers visitors a chance to experience the story of Titanic first-hand and explore its many artifacts. Another popular attraction is the SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line ship and one of the ships used in the Titanic’s launch in 1912.

The city also boasts some beautiful natural attractions, such as the Giant’s Causeway. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an area of basalt columns formed by volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. Visitors can explore the area on guided tours or take a stroll along the clifftops to admire the stunning views.

Experience Belfast’s Unique Culture

Belfast is a city steeped in history and culture, and visitors will find plenty of opportunities to experience this unique culture firsthand. There are several great markets throughout the city, including St George’s Market which dates back to 1604. The market offers a mix of food stalls, crafts, jewelry, antiques, and clothing, making it an ideal spot for browsing and shopping.

The city also features some excellent art galleries and museums, such as the Ulster Museum which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from Northern Ireland’s past. The Black Cab Tours offer visitors an insight into Belfast’s turbulent past with knowledgeable guides recounting stories about the Troubles and other major events in the city’s history.

Take in Some Live Music

Belfast is renowned for its thriving music scene and there are plenty of places to take in some live music. The Cathedral Quarter is home to many pubs and clubs that feature live music from local bands or DJs on a regular basis. The Oh Yeah Music Centre hosts regular live music performances from local and international acts, as well as film screenings and exhibitions. The Belfast Empire Music Hall hosts top touring acts from around the world, so visitors can always find something to suit their taste.

Book a Titanic Sightseeing Tour

A popular activity for visitors to Belfast is taking a Titanic sightseeing tour. On this tour, visitors will get an up-close look at some of the famous locations associated with the Titanic story such as the shipyards where it was built and launched. Along with visits to historic sites, the tour also includes fascinating insight into the events leading up to Titanic’s sinking. At certain points during the tour, visitors can even take a seat at one of the Titanic’s lifeboats or explore inside a replica of her grand staircase. Tours depart from multiple locations around Belfast and last approximately 2 hours.

Visit Belfast Castle

Belfast Castle is an iconic landmark situated atop Cave Hill overlooking the city of Belfast. The castle dates back to 1177 when it was built by John de Courcy as his stronghold. Today, the castle is a popular tourist attraction offering stunning views over Belfast and its surroundings. Visitors can explore the castle’s grounds which include an extensive woodland area, formal gardens, and nature trails. The castle also features a restaurant offering traditional Irish cuisine as well as regular events such as classic car shows and Shakespeare performances in its grounds.

Take a City Sightseeing Tour

City Sightseeing Belfast offers visitors an opportunity to explore all of Belfast’s most iconic attractions on its hop-on hop-off bus tour. The tour takes visitors past all of the city’s major landmarks such as City Hall, Albert Clock Tower, Belfast Castle, Queen’s University, and other attractions such as St George’s Market and Titanic Belfast. Passengers can hop off at any stop along the route to explore further or stay on board for the entire tour which lasts approximately 2 hours. City Sightseeing buses depart every 20 minutes from 9 am until 5 pm daily so visitors can easily fit this tour into their schedule.

Book an Irish Whiskey Tour

For those interested in whiskey, an Irish whiskey tour is one of the best things to do in Belfast. On this tour, visitors will get an up close look at how whiskey is made through a guided tour of one of Northern Ireland’s oldest distilleries. Along with learning about the history of whiskey production in Ireland, visitors will also get to sample some of their favorite whiskeys with expert guidance from knowledgeable guides. At certain points during the tour, visitors can enjoy whiskey tastings paired with local cheeses or small bites for an extra special experience. Tours depart from various locations throughout Belfast and last approximately 2 hours.

Book a guided Tour of Stormont Estate

The Stormont Estate is home to Northern Ireland’s Parliament Buildings and offers visitors a chance to learn about this fascinating part of Irish history. A guided tour of Stormont Estate includes visits to Parliament Buildings and other sites such as Lady Dixon Park and Stormont Castle. Along with learning about Northern Ireland’s politics and history, visitors will also be able to admire some of Stormont Estate’s beautiful gardens. Tours depart from various locations throughout Belfast and last approximately 2 hours.

Conclusion

Belfast is an incredibly diverse and vibrant city that has something for everyone to enjoy. From iconic sights such as Titanic Belfast to beautiful natural attractions like Giant’s Causeway, there are plenty of things to do in Belfast for all ages and interests. Whether you’re looking for a day out exploring historic sites or want to take part in some live music or whiskey tours, you’re sure to find something to do in Belfast that you’ll love.